The temperature is rising, the sun is getting brighter, and the children are getting restless. The end of the scholastic year is approaching, and with every end there is a beginning. There will be many options for the children this summer to travel, relax their mind, and participate in summer camps. I remember as a child, impatiently waiting for the end of the school year from day one of the fall term.

Summertime meant not having to wake up early, no homework, no uniforms, and no obligations. Summertime was my time. My time to play, watch movies, improve at sports, go fishing, sleep in, and sometimes just do nothing. Summertime was always a time for personal reflection as well. Some of the biggest life lessons I ever learned were done so during the summer break. I learned how to cook (albeit not very well), to sail on my own, clean fish, skateboard, surf, etc. I also learned that I was very good at making mistakes but equally good at learning from them and never making the same mistake twice. As a matter of fact, I experienced so much growth during summers that I, and everyone else seemed like a new, more mature person on the first day of school. It is amazing how much time can go by in just 2 months.

One interesting aspect of becoming more mature and growing older is the fact that one can always look at the past and learn from it. As I sit here today, still a relatively young man, and most certainly young at heart, I realize to myself that I regret one thing. By no means do I regret decisions I made as a young man, nor do I regret the great times I had either doing nothing, or doing a great deal. I simply regret not thinking more about what I was doing and how it could have benefitted me. I certainly enjoyed my summers, and as I mentioned before, learned a great deal. Yet, I cannot help thinking that I could have utilized my time more wisely. Recognizing now, that summer is a time when we have options to do the things we really fancy, I simply regret not getting more involved in all of the programs provided for children during the school break. I wish I would have asked my mom and dad for permission to go to one of those one or two week summer camps in some foreign place away from everyone, just like the ones you see in the movies. I would have liked learning to shoot a bow and arrow, go through obstacle courses, sitting around the campfire and listening to ghost stories. Looking back, there were far too many options to mention.

The purpose of this article is first and foremost to get young people to take an active role in thinking about their summer break and utilizing this time of personal reflection and learning to its maximum potential. Yet, there are other themes that are equally as important. I would like to highlight some of the summer programs available for the youth.

* The 2006 Anguilla Tennis Academy Summer Tennis Camp

This award winning program is in its eleventh year of operation. Mitch Lake, founder and president of the ATA, started this camp in 1996 to introduce tennis to Anguilla’s children at a minimal cost. Tennis is a sport that teaches good moral character, responsibility, goal setting, and self confidence. This camp will commence on July 10 at the James Ronald Webster Park and will end on July 28. This year, there will be a new court, as it is currently being resurfaced, and as always, top notch coaches from the international community will be on hand as volunteers. The cost of the camp is USD $40 per child for the full three weeks and is available for children ages 4-17. Registration forms may be picked up at ABC Supplies in The Forest. It is imperative that you register early as there is only a limited number of spaces.

* Library Program

The library camp will run from July 17-28 and is available for children ages 5-12. The purpose of this experience is to provide cultural and environmental awareness through the use of information sources. The camp has consistently had a theme each year; this year’s theme is ‘water’. For more information, call the library at 497-2441.

* Camp Be Aware

This is another long standing camp that has received much attention. Camp Be Aware focuses on Anguilla’s natural beauty and nature. It is full of different activities that the children can enjoy such as arts and crafts, horse riding, various trips to different areas of Anguilla, sleepovers and much more. Contact Teacher Art at the West End Primary School – 497-6721.

* Anguilla Youth Sailing School

This is a new program designed to introduce sailing to the youth. As sailing is the national pastime and premier sport, this is truly a beneficial camp for the children. For more information, contact Ian at 584-SAIL.

* Vacation Bible School

I am sure that there will be many Vacation Bible School programs throughout the island at the many churches. These programs are wonderful for youth as it engenders a sense of spirituality and helps strengthen one’s faith. Contact your church for more info.

Among the above mentioned programs, I am sure there will be others. I have even heard talk of a golf camp at St. Regis. I apologize if I have omitted other programs that may exist. Nevertheless, there are certainly many options for youth this summer. In 1990, I attended a summer camp in my hometown, Palatka, Florida. It was a morning tennis camp, and although I did not care for tennis that much, it was fun. One year later, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was told that I would no longer be able to play my favourite sports; basketball and baseball. I remembered how much I enjoyed tennis and decided to play as my options were running out. To make a long story short, I played every summer and year round. I got a job as a tennis pro, a scholarship to play in college and I have met many wonderful people, travelled the world and now live here in Anguilla as the director of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. My dreams came true and it all started from a summer program. Therefore, to the youth I say, enjoy your summer break, but use it to your advantage and make the best out of it. When you get older, summer break doesn’t exist anymore!!

As always, if you are aware of any youth, or any youth programs that are doing extraordinary things in the community, please write to me at jallen@caribcable.com.

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